A veteran educator's long-held dream of opening a Montessori school is about to become reality in Glastonbury, where a new early childhood program hopes to fill a growing need for local families by summer's end.
Taylor Walsh, who currently operates a Montessori school in Middletown, plans to open Children's House of Montessori on Main, at 2584 Main St. in the lower level of St. James Episcopal Church. Pending state licensing, the school hopes to welcome its first students by late summer.
For Taylor, who is the Head of Schools for both facilities and has decades of early childhood experience, both as a teacher and as a director, the new venture represents the culmination of a career shaped by a simple but powerful educational philosophy.
"I loved the Montessori approach and always wanted to start a Montessori school," Taylor said.
Certified to teach pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, Taylor spent years working in early childhood education, including as a teacher in the Hartford Public Schools system. Early in her career, she discovered the Montessori method and received specialized training in its principles.
Developed more than a century ago by Italian physician and educator Dr. Maria Montessori, the approach encourages children to learn through exploration and hands-on experiences rather than traditional teacher-directed instruction. Montessori opened her first Casa dei Bambini, or Children's House, in Rome in 1907 after observing that children flourished when given the freedom to make choices and work independently in carefully prepared environments.
Today, Montessori schools can be found around the world, serving millions of students. The educational model emphasizes respect for each child's natural development and encourages teachers to act as guides rather than lecturers.
Taylor said those principles continue to resonate with modern families.
"Montessori is for life," she said. "It's an approach to education that helps children learn about life's changes. We teach them to be independent and confident so they can learn for themselves."
At the heart of the curriculum are four core areas of study: practical life, sensorial education, mathematics and language. Young children learn everyday skills such as pouring, sorting and caring for their environment while building the concentration and problem-solving abilities that support future academic success.
The Glastonbury school will feature the full complement of Montessori educational materials and is in the process of hiring trained teachers.
The school's new home occupies a roughly 2,200-square-foot finished lower level at St. James Episcopal Church. The space includes two large classrooms, a multipurpose room and administrative offices. Taylor is seeking state approval to enroll up to 38 children.
The location was selected not only for its facilities but also because of what Taylor sees as an unmet need in the community.
"Glastonbury made sense for a Montessori school," she said, noting that the town has recently seen the closure of two early childhood education centers, leaving fewer options for local families.
The Glastonbury campus builds on Taylor's growing experience as a school founder. After spending several years working in human resources, she decided to return to her educational roots and opened a Montessori school in Middletown in 2023. The positive response reinforced her belief that more communities could benefit from the Montessori approach.
Early childhood education continues to be a priority across Connecticut as communities work to expand access to quality preschool programs and address the challenges faced by working families seeking reliable care and educational opportunities.
Taylor hopes Children's House of Montessori on Main will become more than just another preschool. She envisions a place where children develop curiosity, confidence and the practical skills needed to navigate an ever-changing world.
Her mission is to "contribute to society by bringing Montessori education to as many children and families as possible". She is also planning to develop a scholarship program for the CHOM family of schools.
Her mission reflects Dr. Montessori's original vision from more than 100 years ago: creating an environment where children are empowered to discover their own abilities and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Children's House of Montessori on Main
2584 Main St.
Phone: 860-266-2617
Online: chomfamily.org
Email: Info@chomfamily.org